Chrome for iOS is Now Dramatically Faster and More Stable

Google has released an update to Chrome for iOS that uses WKWebView, the latest rendering engine from Apple. Browsing is now significantly more stable and javascript execution is much faster.

The biggest change is in stability: with WKWebView’s out-of-process rendering, when the web view crashes or runs out of memory, it won’t bring down all of Chrome with it. As a result, Chrome crashes 70% less with WKWebView. Even when counting the “Aw, Snap!” page shown when the renderer crashes, there’s still a big improvement.

Outside of stability, WKWebView brings many other benefits. Web compatibility is improved with support for features like IndexedDB, bringing the HTML5test score for Chrome on iOS from 391 up to 409. Switching to background tabs will cause pages to reload 25% less often. JavaScript speed on benchmarks such as Octane is an order of magnitude faster, and scrolling is smoother and more responsive.

Features:• SYNC ACROSS DEVICES - seamlessly access and open tabs and bookmarks from your laptop, phone or tablet• FASTER BROWSING - choose from search results that instantly appear as you type and quickly access previously visited pages• VOICE SEARCH - use the magic of Google voice search to find answers on-the-go without typing• TRANSLATE - easily read webpages in any language• UNLIMITED TABS - open as many tabs as your heart desires and quickly flip through them like a deck of cards• PRIVACY - use Incognito* mode to browse without saving your history (learn more at http://goo.gl/WUx02)

What's New In This Version:This version uses WKWebView, the latest rendering engine from Apple, which should be faster and more stable. The crash rate was reduced by 70% and JavaScript execution is now dramatically faster!

This release also includes:• Redesigned icons on the New Tab page: easier access to more of your frequently-visited sites• Spotlight integration: Drag down or right from the Home screen and search for your Chrome bookmarks